Concern as Education Minister rules out school building works

Derry City and Strabane District councillor Sandra Duffy (Sinn Féin) has expressed concern after DUP Education Minister Paul Givan ruled out much needed school building investments, including at St Brigid's College in Derry.

Councillor Duffy said: "I am extremely concerned by confirmation from the Education Minister that there are currently no plans to progress additional school projects under the Major Capital Works Programme due to funding pressures.

"Vital improvements at St Brigid’s College in Derry remain on hold despite the very real challenges facing pupils and staff every single day.

"St Brigid’s is in urgent need of investment yet progress remains stalled while students continue to deal with inadequate facilities including the continued closure of the school canteen, delays to specialist classrooms, accessibility works and the ongoing lack of sufficient car parking.

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"While schools like St. Brigid's cry out for basic and urgent repairs they also deserve an explanation from the minister as to why a state-of-the-art pitch upgrade was prioritised for one school," said Cllr Duffy.

"I will continue to work with my party colleague Ciara Ferguson MLA, to raise these concerns and support calls for the Department of Education to urgently engage with the Education Authority to find solutions in the short term because pupils, parents and staff of St. Brigid’s College deserve clarity, commitment and action," she added.